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The Community Technology Empowerment Project

What we are working towards:

  • The digital divide is the practiced disparity between those who have access to technology and those who do not. Digital inclusion goes beyond access to include basic skills training; digital inclusion professionals, such as CTEP members, aim to include all people in our workforce and community by breaking down technology access barriers and by helping people gain technology skills. Digital equity--making sure everyone has equal access to technology--is about the intersections of technology, education, class, race, housing and geography, and resource allocation.

WHAT IS CTEP?

The Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP) AmeriCorps bridges the digital divide for new immigrants and low-income communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Members work with adults, youth, seniors, BIPOC, new Americans and other historically disenfranchised people to learn the technology skills they need to access economic, social, health, and civic opportunities online.

Members serve through nonprofit and community based organizations, receive professional development and technical training, and support for their career goals after service.

WHAT IS AMERICORPS?

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities.

Read more about what Americorps does and their impact here.

  • “Through CTEP I began to see how important non-profits and community based organizations are to a community. In our service year we got to see some of the struggles in the community around us, but we as CTEP members we were also able to achieve something that would improve the life of another person.”

    Maya Hanson, Rice Street Library.

  • "The most rewarding parts of my service are the moments in my computer classes when someone who was previously uncertain about computers begins to get excited about technology, or when someone tells me they received a job because of our work together and to see how excited they are about it. This feels like I'm really making a difference.”

    Laura Wondra, Arlington Hills Community Center

  • “The most rewarding part of my work was the relationships I built with participants, that is people who came to our open technology labs and computer classes. The personal connections allowed me to see the participants' challenges from their perspective and empathize with their situations. I became invested in the participants' successes and defeats and frustrated by their barriers. Through relationships with a wide range of people I really expanded my worldview.”

    Ted Klimek, Project for Pride in Living

  • “I want policy makers to know that the digital divide is STILL a thing. I think some people are under the impression that if they stick a library or access lab in a low- income neighborhood it completely fixes the digital divide. We in CTEP know, it doesn't. It takes education and training and confidence building.”

    Rachel Hoyles, Project for Pride in Living

  • "I don't believe in leaders in the traditional sense. I think leaders are people who decide to invest in other people. I learned not only to invest in myself and the people around me, but also the community around me. There’s an empowerment aspect for us as well…we’re being given the tools to explore new things, to really grow and develop."

    Anonymous.

  • In July of 2004, four partner organizations interested in providing better technology access for metro area low-income residents were awarded a three-year AmeriCorps grant for a new program-- The Community Technology Empowerment Project, (CTEP). Project partners in this collaborative included: The St. Paul Neighborhood Network (fiscal sponsor), The Community Computer Access Network (C-CAN), the City of Minneapolis, and The MN State Department of Human Rights.

    Partners in this initiative shared the belief that equitable access to basic information technology tools and resources (such as computers and the Internet) are necessary to insure full social, economic and civic participation for ALL community members. The CTEP project will meet this critical need using a grassroots, neighborhood-based “technology empowerment” strategy. In this way, the project addresses the well being of children, youth and families by providing new opportunities for economic development and educational achievement in targeted communities.

    Since then the CTEP program has evolved to become part of the Saint Paul Neighborhood Network, and currently recruits, trains, and places 35 AmeriCorps members in service to their communities. Our focus has shifted to specifically helping low-income and new immigrant residents (adults and teens) better use technology resources within existing community technology centers (CTCs) and non-profit agencies.

Want to be a change agent in your community? Become a member with us or host a member at your organization!

FAQs

  • Members teach the technology literacy skills needed today to obtain employment and gain access to civic and social opportunities. As the world becomes more reliant on technology, those unable to navigate the internet and other digital platforms are at a distinct disadvantage. CTEP members teach these critical skills and mentor learners to achieve their technology goals.

  • Members serve at any one of CTEP’s first class non-profit and community based organizations across the Twin Cities. Full-time members can expect to serve approximately 35 hours per week with opportunity for flexible scheduling.

  • You certainly do not need to be an expert to join CTEP! If you regularly use computers, smart phones, and/or software programs you already have the skills we are looking for. CTEP provides professional training all year to enhance your technology and teaching skills to ensure a successful service.

    While some members teach skills like media production or website and graphic design, most members teach basic skills like introducing someone to the internet for the first time, or helping someone edit a resume in Microsoft Word.

    Technology is a tool to help learners achieve a life goal such as getting a better job or moving forward with their education. CTEP graduates go on to every kind of career, including social work, education, public health, law, and public policy. If you have ever helped a friend, colleague or family member to use a computer, tablet, or cell phone, you can be a CTEP technology instructor. We seek people with a wide range of backgrounds including tutoring or teaching, experience working across cultures, and those who see themselves as current or future changemakers.

  • During the year all CTEP AmeriCorps members receive a bi-weekly living stipend to cover basic expenses. Full time members are eligible for paid health care and child care.

    CTEP also provides resources and information on budgeting, food-assistance, low-cost public transportation, navigating public assistance and free and fun things to do!

    After successfully completing 12 months of service, all members qualify for the Segal Educational Award which provides up to $8,000 for continuing education, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program aimed at assisting members to pay off student debt.

  • Yes! We encourage members to pursue their personal interests while serving. Each year members participate in civic engagement projects aimed at addressing other community needs. Members work in small groups to identify issues related to digital inclusion and develop solutions.

  • Read more here: CTEP's Impact Evaluation Connecting Learning Technology Skills to Obtaining Employment

  • You will learn a lot at your host site, but you will also travel to roughly half of CTEP's host sites throughout the Twin Cities. Each training day takes place at a different location where we learn about a particular organization and neighborhood. You will have the chance to reflect on the relationships you build at your site, as well as what you are observing about digital inclusion at the individual, community and policy levels.